Are you a budding filmmaker? Now you can hone your skills online with Image Nation Abu Dhabi

Arab Film Studio will offer its scriptwriting and young filmmaker courses as interactive online workshops for the first time

The Arab Film Studio is now offering its Scriptwriting and Young Filmmakers courses online for the first time. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

For budding filmmakers, being confined to home doesn't mean all projects need to be put on pause.

Arab Film Studio, Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s flagship training programme, is now offering two courses as interactive online workshops, allowing amateur auteurs the chance to hone their skills.

The programme's Scriptwriting and Young Filmmakers courses are now available online for the first time, with novice filmmakers and scriptwriters encouraged to apply through the Image Nation website. The Abu Dhabi film and entertainment company will cover the training costs of all selected applicants.

The Scriptwriting course is open to all UAE residents over the age of 21. The five-month training programme, which starts on Sunday, July 5, will help aspiring scriptwriters master their craft, with one student getting the chance to bring their story to the big screen.

Image Nation Abu Dhabi will produce the programme winner's script into a short film with a budget of up to Dh100,000. Those interested should apply before Friday, May 15, and be available for an online interview.

The Young Filmmakers course, meanwhile, is a three-week programme aimed at Emirati high school seniors across Abu Dhabi. The workshop will teach students between the ages of 16 and 18 how to create a one-minute stop-motion film.

It will take place during the summer break, running from Saturday, July 11 to Tuesday, July 28. However, those interested in applying must do so by Thursday, May 7.

The online courses come as part of a series of initiatives by Image Nation Abu Dhabi to help creatives and filmmakers connect and inspire.

Some of Arab Film Studio’s previous participants will also offer filmmaking tutorials through the Filmmakers at Home video series, available on Image Nation’s website, while an interactive Film Tips Challenge will provide a platform for filmmakers to share how they’re staying creative at home.

Alongside the digital initiatives, 16 diverse Arab Film Studio films will be broadcast for the duration of Ramadan on Etisalat’s E-Life platform via The Ramadan Shop channel.

The original productions, which have featured in film festivals around the world, include Made of Clay, Sheikh Mussafak, Absentees, Astray, Rattles, Hartoom and the award-winning Omnia.

Khalid Khouri, chief of operations at Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said the company is aiming to inspire people during a time of isolation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

“By bringing these initiatives online, we will be able to reach a broader audience and share our innovative resources with aspiring and established filmmakers who are striving to pursue their passions despite current conditions.”